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This study was carried out with a sample of 11 patients who are part of the atypical medication group at the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto's School of Medicine. For data collection semi-structured interviews guided by a script were held in April 2003. The interviews were first taped and fully transcribed afterwards. Results indicated an improvement in patients' symptoms, demonstrated by decreased social isolation, resumption of home/work activities and studies, as well as by participation in social events. They also point out to the need for a new vision regarding patients who suffer from mental disorders and their family members in the sense of searching for adequate therapeutic attitudes that have an impact on the production of life, aimed at giving a new existential meaning in the different forms of social contact and sociability.